Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites Essex County dog owners to display their creativity and participate in Strut Your Mutt, Essex County’s Annual Canine Halloween Costume Parade and Contest. This year, three parades have been scheduled, with the newly-opened Essex County Hilltop Dog Park hosting its first event. Participation is free. The costume parades and contests will be held as follows:

Parade #1Date: Saturday, October 20, 2018

Rain Date: Saturday, October 27th

Time: Registration: 9:15 a.m.

Parade: 10 a.m.

Place: Essex County Brookdale Dog Park Grove Street Montclair

Parade #2

Date: Saturday, October 20, 2018

Rain Date: Saturday, October 27th

Time: Registration: 1:15 p.m.

Parade: 2 p.m.

Place: Essex County South Mountain Dog Park

Crest Drive

Maplewood/Millburn, NJ

Parade #3

Date: Sunday, October 21, 2018

Rain Date: Sunday, October 28th

Time: Registration: 12 Noon

Parade: 1 p.m.

Place: Essex County Hilltop Dog Park

Courter Lane North Caldwell, NJ

“The Essex County Dog Parks have become popular places for dog owners to bring their faithful companions. In turn, the canine costume parades are growing into a favorite Halloween celebration for everyone to enjoy. Whether you own a dog or not, we invite you to come see creative costumes worn by dogs of all breeds,” DiVincenzo said.

Strut Your Mutt is a free event. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in a variety of categories. For more information, please call 973-268-3500.